F1 stands down Imola as back-up race, still targeting Qatar and Abu Dhabi finale

Formula 1 has informed Imola that it will not be required to host a race at the end of this season, as it commits to its intention to race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Amid the ongoing uncertainty caused by the war with Iran, F1 had put Imola on standby as a potential host venue for the final race of the season if it needed to call off the final two rounds at late notice. With the Italian circuit reaching a point in preparations where it would have needed to invest further significant amounts to be race-ready, and following the successful execution of the Qatar MotoGP race over the weekend, F1 has now informed Imola that it will not race there this year.

That decision has also been relayed to the teams, but does not guarantee the final two round of the season will proceed as planned. Despite that being the intention, F1 continues to monitor the situation in the Gulf region and will cancel the races if there are concerning developments between now and the race dates.

The teams are therefore aware that the Las Vegas Grand Prix could ultimately prove to be the final race of the 2026 season if the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds cannot proceed, with F1 stating the the safety of those involved in the sport is its priority.

Imola had been lined up to step in on the Abu Dhabi race date of December 6 if required. Earlier this year, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races were postponed, and Malaysia eventually became the host venue for the Bahrain Grand Prix in early October to ensure there will be a minimum of 21 races this season.

While both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships have already been won by Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes respectively, there remain a number of positions in both sets of standings to be decided that could place an added premium on the outcome of the next round in Las Vegas.

Red Bull leads McLaren by 17 point in the battle for third place overall in the constructors’ championship, while Haas in seventh and Audi in eighth are separated by just three points, and Williams and Aston Martin are five apart as they compete for ninth overall.